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VADAVAH is an original publication of Thunderclap.

This work has never appeared before in print form.

VADAVAH

A Thunderclap book.

PRINTING HISTORY

First edition/July 2013

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2007 by Michael Schade.

Cover art copyright 2007 by Michael Schade.

PVU: Feel the Pull and the Volleyball logo Trademark 2007

by Michael Schade.Use of this fictional world or its characters in derivate works,

namely fan fiction is allowed. This is a work of fiction. Any person,

place or thing that appearssimilar or the same to another somewhere else in print or reality is

purely coincidental. A similarities to other works is purely

coincidental.

This book may not reproduced in part or in whole by any currently

existing means of word processing, archival storage, printing or

other means in the future without express permission of the author.

For information: Thunderclap

Care of: Michael Schade

Bixby, OK 74008Thunderclap@gmail.com

ISBN: USA

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This is dedicated to my family, to God and to all my friends and

family. This is a work of years ago that is put out for enjoyment.

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Ethaiyam Parish Starsea Force

Kelimah Hamilton (Hashem of the ESF)Tashlet Lorah Overwells (ESF Netilat Tashlet)Master Tashlet Jeff Gesher

Tashlet Jesse JordonTashlet Benjamin Sitorus

Shikisha Doug ProfanMaster Tashlet Thomas Kei

Shikisha Gwen Birkita

Crew of the ESF Vadavah SSC 2040Tashlet Connor Spiknard

Shikisha Tegan ClancyRakisha Darah Damaris

Avatar (Rakisha) Vaddy (Vadavah)Kisha Ian Soures

Rakisha Kyle CuylerMaster Kisha Craig Scotti

ESF Vadavah ASF-290 Pegasim FirstSquadron

(Shockwave)Shikisha Gabril Stranahan (Squadron Leader)

Kisha Kamala Sabine (Squadron XO)Kisha Jim Gylliem (Pegasim Claw 3)

RyuchiDaijin Katzin Helsonn

Chairman Hashem Dan NavehaTashlet Spence Nagadi

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Chapter OneSLUMBERING LEVIATHANS

Sometimes we must embrace that

which opens up to us. There are far worse

things out there than return. Daijin

Theodaris Berik, answering why he didnt

mourn the Joshua Kirisutos passing. Av 10,FY 2029

Tidewater Tower, Ethaiyam Starsea Force, Nawlins,

Nawlins Island, Ethaiyam

Shibboleth 28th

, FY 2040

Tashlet Connor Spiknard walked along theEthaiyam Starsea Force docks watching the activityacross him. Not as quiet as they claimed, he mused,noticing the buzz of media and other people about.Gazing into Nawlins clear blue tropical waters, heinspected his appearance in the mirror calmness ofPier 7.

Straw blond hair cut high and tight exposedsmall, round ears highlighting his high cheekbones,aquiline nose, and sharp eyes that matched the sea.Full lips frowned back at him as he stared, his chinstill carrying a bit of stubble he missed this morning.Adjusting out the wrinkles in his maroon jump suit, hefrowned again. The triangular shoulder blade patchthat featured rank and function broke a seam again.Sewn just about his name bar, it looked unseemlyagainst the pristine straightness of his honor-bars.Even the middle blue band seemed to fray again.

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The left-shoulder patch, which featured the ESFlogo, remained straight and clean as did his rightshoulder family sigil and five yoke color bands; bluefor Command. A soon appearing gold star wouldrepresent an active command. Beneath the jump suittop, he wore a black turtleneck that while comfortablein the cold, darkness below, made him sweat horriblyin the tropical heat. Got to remember to inform thequartermasters that I need a new uniform and get thatstar added.

Straightening up, Spiknard looked across thebay to the Lexis Island construction facility. Thor fleet

yards. There the building the flagship and her class,Vadavah continued in secret. She will replace theHavleting class who approached her 32ndyear of fleetservice. He let a smile cross his face until he noticed acammer sniffing around. I hope they are policing thosemedia elements.

Spiknard smiled as he walked around again.Those starsubs were why he had arrived. The first of

her class, Vadavah Supercavitating SeaSpace Craft2040 celebrated officially being seaworthy yesterday.Only minor things were left to be decided. And I get todecide them.

Besides and before him, Tidewater Tower, theESF headquarters, loomed statuesque over the bay.Purple veined white marble gleamed in the sunlight,

its wide arches and solid pillars announcingimportance. The stonework followed strongsymmetrical pattern, with calendium smart glasscreating mirror perfect reflections of Nawlins Bay,Lexis Island and surrounds. His frown deepened as heshielded his eyes scanning the edifice for his liaison.Still not here!

Youve been relocated way too many times since

you founding, he thought to himself as he stared. FromNawlins to Ahel in Verelmir to Choosen, Inaka andback here, WE actually thought the darkness was over.So in F.Y 2029, you came home.

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Controversial? Yes, especially with some of thehierarchy in the ESF, but still smart considering. Yetthey gripe, saying that even though Nawlins is capitalof Ethaiyam, the ESF HQ is still too close to Ryuchi.Short-range missile close. Our saving grace was webecame the world capital when Anika Serapha,Shihasha of Candrah, sealed off Nise.

He smiled, glanced around, watching LexisIsland crews again. That came because of Benkokuwarmongering lead to the execution of Joshua Kirisuto,an innocent traveling evangelist who they feltthreatened by. After Candrah threatened ending trade

relations as well as sanctions, they threatened backwith an orbital weapons platform that was controlled

from Nise. When the sealing of Nise became fatal to theShihasha, her infuriated daughter, Valusha MarahSerapha transformed Benkoku into Ryuchi withlightning speed.

The hierarchy suggested afterwards that whileMarah reigned in Candrah, Ryuchi wouldnt declare

war. And if they did, they would receive a smitingunlike any the world had ever known. All becauseDaijin Hamilton got it into his head that just becausethose who fled the transformation live on our undersealand he should control it.

He was told that Ryuchi and its guilds wereprohibited from any planetary activities until FY 2060.

Candrah allowed them to keep their military structureand patrol their own lands, yet they lust for what theyonce had and resent us for having it. Now, we have to

police the mess they created. We have be the ones whotake the high road when the Daijin wants to force anundersea war, stealing our land in the process. Was theBenkoku Darkness over? Yes. And the ESF was left toclean up the rest.

A passing Mariner suddenly realized Connorstared at him. He snapped off a smart salute.Spiknard returned it then walked on towards

Tidewater Towers main security checkpoint. Rapid

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After passing through the first securitycheckpoint, its unmanned scanners simply verifyingthey were ESF personnel, they passed through theornate crystalline double doors etched with ESF seal.Once inside, they walked up the grand staircase, itsbanisters ebonwood, and its railings inlayed withcopper turned mint green over time, to the main foyerof the ESF HQ. Before them, the second securitycheckpoint.

Two ESF military justice defenders gave them asharp, swift gaze, plasma rifles at the ready. One of theMilitary Justice Defenders (MJD) barked a name and a

Mariner turned to them. He held up his hand. Sirs, ifyou would approach the scanner one at a time andraise your arms, please. Place your sidearms, comp-pads and hand-coms in the dish before you.

Without question, they both did as requested.This scanner ensured they were human and werentcarrying any unauthorized items. It took all of sixteenseconds, and once he was satisfied, he returned their

items. Clear, sirs. Welcome to Tidewater Tower, hesaid with quick salute. They both returned the saluteas they went on into Reception.

Emblazoned on the purple veined, white marblefloor was the ESF sigil; a left leaning 3-pronged Tridentwith a wave pouring of the right side. It bisected twointermeshed triangles, the tops touching the bottom of

the other. Stylized across the center was EthaiyamStarsea Force in Akamonian runic alphabet.Outside the seal, a wreath of gold leaves rested

on each side. They represented the founding traditionsof every navy in the world. Or at least they did, Connermused as they crossed it. Strength, diversity and unitycomposed each point of the trident. We need them nowmore than ever.

On the other side of Reception, away from thevarious couches, vending machines, and desks ofseated officials, rested a bank of elevators waiting to

escort Mariners to the upper reaches of the nine-story

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building. As they stepped into the elevator, a pleasantfemale voice greeted them. Tidewater Tower transit.Please specify floor.

Tashlet Spiknard cleared his throat. Computer,deck- He paused realizing where he was. -Level 9.Accepted. The doors slid closed taking the elevator

upward.

Hashem Kelimah Hamilton reclined in his officein the highest floor of Tidewater Tower. The Volumetricinformation receiver (VIR) on the other side of the officedisplayed a life sized three-dimensional image of

seated Master Tashlet Jeff Gesher, commander of theNawlins division of the ESF, as well as operations onthe island. Greying and seeming out of sorts in hisuniform sans turtleneck, Gesher stood in portable VIRbooth, exhausted. The six gold bands on his rightshoulder were faded as well adding to his exhaustion.

The Hashem smiled knowingly back. We bothlook our age. Old, tired veterans who should have

retired years ago. We are products of a generation goneby. A crazy era filled with war, torture, ethnic cleansingand a man who claimed he came to save everyone. HisZionists are still about preaching his gospel.

Even Daijin Morrigan stayed away from that. Andyet it was those very things that kept us here. First theMidgard uprising, then itsthe Skarans, then its

Joshuas execution and subsequent resurrection, thenthe sealing of Nise and the forced conversion ofBenkoku to Ryuchi.

Just when things seemed to calm down, theopening of the Mizuno Abyssal plain creates a cold warwith Ryuchi. Now, its Vadavah. It has to end sometime,doesnt it?

Listen, Jeff, said Helsonn. I barely understand

the technical stuff you and your people have to dealwith, but Im getting a lot of pressure from theLeadership Council to see Vadavah deployed on

schedule. Thats four days away.

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softcap from his pocket then realized that Spiknardstill had his in his pocket so he put it back. Youasked to see us, Hashem?

Hamilton nodded, gesturing towards the twoseats before his desk.

Have a seat. This conversation is beingrecorded.

Understood, Hashem.He nodded, dimmed the lights, and picked up a

remote from off his desk. A few button pushes later,the sigil vanishes from above the VIR reappearing tothe right of them, eye level. It faded away to show

schematics for the Vadavah class. Vadavah and herclass had the ability to adapt to either planetaryoceans or the vacuum of space.

Wide sweptback wings jutted from one centrallocation roughly midway down the port and starboardsides of the craft. A triangular raised fin online withthem atop the craft functioned as the main bridge andobservation area.

The main body held the shape of a hammerheadshark with the main propulsion systems situated inwhat would be the tail fin if it were a shark. The spacethrusters system as well as the Hypernet portal drivewith its mirrors was sealed from the sea behind amassive retractable door linked to a force field toguarantee no exposure.

The same was true for the supercav thrustersand bubble generator. They were protected from thevacuum of space by the same means. The Starseafighter bays were where the head would be with asecondary bay directly aft of that. Clear synthskincoated the hull protecting it from both then ravages ofthe salty brine and hard, frigid vacuum.

Finally, indentations where there gills would be

held a full suite of both stellar and submariner sensorarrays. The Vadavah class weighed in at 210,000 tons,measuring 1600 feet long.

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As you know, Vadavah is four days fromdeployment. Ive verified that with Master TashletGesher. He says he is Tidying upthe loose ends. Thatnotwithstanding, Ive called you both here to discuss

this.Hamilton retrieved two printouts from his deskand placed them before the officers. Standard orders.Tashlet Spiknard, as expected, you will receivecommand of SSC 2040 Vadavah, the first of her class.Following her shakedown sea and space cruises.Vadavah will assume the duty of Flagship of ESF withall that entails.

Spiknard smiled. Its an honor, sir.Tashlet Jordon, the Havleting Gloarr is to

accompany Vadavah on the sea leg of her shakedownat the shadow distance of 19 miles. Following this andprovided it is uneventful, you are to be promoted to bepromoted to Master Tashlet 2nd class with all privilegesand responsibilities that come with that rank.Havleting Gloarr will be renamed and transferred to

North Shore Training Base for use as a trainingvessel.

Jordons lips held asad smile. Permission tospeak freely?

Granted.Why does Vadavah even need an escort?

Jordon ground his teeth.

Hamilton turned to the holographic display, andspoke a command. The image resolved into a 3D globeof the world that zoomed in on the Mizuno Ocean andthen Nawlins.

Havleting Gloarr is to monitor Vadavah on hershakedown run. Recently, several ESF attack subsvanished. We lost contact with them and found nowreckage. Intelligence suggested sabotage. So while

out there we want Vadavah to investigate. Be careful.If the RNF is up to something dont take anyunnecessary risks. We dont Vadavah damaged before

we get both her sea and space legs.

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Wise, but what if Havleting Gloarr is attacked?Will we be able to respond? Or do I leave that to yourjudgment? Spiknard asked, concerned.

Jordon gave Spiknard a disgusted look.Hamilton leaned back, worry furrowing his brow. Ileave that up to your capable judgment, Tashlet. AndIve made the Leadership Council aware of the missingsubs. Still, Havleting Gloarr will monitor Vadavah foranything out of the ordinary.

Jordon grinned. Thanks.Spiknard nodded. Drumming his fingers lightly

on the desk before him, he looked to the floating orb

they called Akamon; their world. I wonder what DaijinHelsonns reaction is when he finds out about the SSCs.

Understood, sir.The Hashem sat up, then ordered the lights

back up. Excellent, sign to verify. You know the drill.The Hashem placed a pen on the desk in front ofSpiknard and Jordons orders. Be at the Thor yardson 0800 on Odindai. So until then, youre at liberty.

They rose, saluted the Hashem, andstraightened their uniforms, smiling. Thank you,Hashem.

Youre dismissed.

Nawlins, Nawlins Island, Ethaiyam

Tishryu 2nd, FY 2040

Shikisha Tegan Clancy stood frowning over abilliards table in a tavern known as Cloud 9. Dressedin civilian attire, he watched as the white ball smackedup against eight ball on the table, and sank it.Normally, this would be a good thing. Except that it

isnt the last ball there.Hmmm, said Rakisha Darah Damaristhoughtfully as she rolled her own cue between herthumb and forefinger. How often do you play,Shikisha?

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Clancy groaned in frustration. Today is not myday, he thought as he collapsed his own cue, stowingit in his magenta duffel, before facing her. Shed beatme again.I doubt I'll hear the end of it any time soon.

Often enough. I just have better things to dothan play all day.Damaris laughed lightly, walking over to the bar.

Clancy followed close behind, admiring the way shestrolled across the floor with effortless grace. Twomead. Thanks, said Damaris, sitting down at the bar.

Clancy sat down beside her, the bar stoolsqueaking as he leaned and stretched. Eyes roamed

over tight-fitting jeans poured onto her delicate frameand down her blouse. It ran taut across her smallbust, her nipples straining against the peach cotton. Ahidden six-pack also made itself known when shetwisted to reach the bowl of Jifi nuts. She caught hiseyes, and chuckled. Whats so funny, just out of idlecuriosity?

Playful blue eyes sparkled. Youare. Youre not

very good at losing, are you?Clancy shrugged. With a wry grin, he thanked

the bartender. Ouch. Do you always devour men likethis?

She laughed again, draining the mug before her.Only the ones with attitude problems.Damaris almost dropped her mug as her comp-

pad beeped in her back pocket. After a quick removal,she opened it to see the face of Tashlet ConnorSpiknard on the screen. Rakisha, is Shikisha Clancywith you?

She activated the camera function on the comp-pad, holding it out to catch his long, ruddy face. Yes,Tashlet.

Good, we need you out at Thor shipyards in 1

hour.Unsure of what was going on, Damaris frowned.

Is something wrong, sir?

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No. Its tie to look at Vadavah. Shes almostready.

Oh, understood. Well be there.Closing the link, she sighed. As she got up, she

turned to Clancy. Looking at him apologetically, sheshrugged. Lets go.

Force Design and Development Facility, Thor

Construction Yards, Lexis Island, Nawlins,Ethaiyam.

Tishryu 2nd, 2040

Connor relaxed as the automated vehiclecrossed the mile long Lexis Island Bridge on its way tothe Thor Construction Yards. As he glanced out at the

slowing rolling waves lapping at the bridge, heremembered his first briefing on Thor.A long boring meeting filled with useless

information for an XO. He laughed at himself. Dont Ineed it now? Thor, and the Force Design andDevelopment Facility inside, rest partially submerged inthe Central Loch. Designed to accommodatemaintenance, construction and decommission of the

submarines and other ESF naval vessels, the dockswere the largest on the island. Several construction drydocks and piers also rested on the surface formaintenance as well, but Thors primary purpose is thecompletion of the new ships.

The vehicle came to a stop at the ESF securitycheckpoint. The tight security didnt surprise him. Itwas expected. Two ESF military justice defendersinside the checkpoint shed stepped out. They gave hima sharp, swift gaze, plasma rifles at the ready. One ofthe MJD barked, Exit the vehicle. Remain still so thescanner can verify you are a member of the ESF.

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Stepping out, Connor stood a foot away from thevehicle as a white beam rolled across him and then thevehicle itself. Then the mariner on duty, a Kisha,stepped out and asked for ID.

Spiknard showed his ESF Indenticard to themariner, and then swiped it through the scanner hewas holding. The scanners light turned green and hewaved him through without much hesitation. Alwaysnice to have full security clearance to every facility inNawlins, he mused as the vehicle headed to theAdministration facility; the only non-warehouse likebuilding on the island.

Connor didnt even pay attention to where he wasgoing. He spent the time looking out the window forVadavah, docked at Pier 1 at the far end of the road. Inthe distance, it floated like a massive beast silently,patiently waiting for prey. Wind swept surf made itsred skin shine in the midday sun.

When the vehicle finally stopped outside theAdministration building Connor got out, but not before

ordering the vehicle to wait. If he hadnt it would havereturned to its stall on the other side of the bridge,taking his gear with him. Taking his sunglasses off ashe walked in to the buildings shadow, he glancedaround. Nondescript functionality was the order of theday here. No marble, copper or gold here. Just the ESFlogo on a five-story granite structure tempered for

living beside the sea. As he walked to the buildingsentrance, he noticed that Jordon and Hamilton werealready waiting for him with a group of otherTashletim standing further away. The Mariner at thedoor snapped to attention and Spiknard threw him asalute as he passed.Tashlet, Master Tashlet, Spiknard greeted the two

other officers as he entered the building, following the

lead of the Hashem and Jordon.The Hashemseemed impassive. Good to see youmade it, Connor; this way.

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Motioning Jordon and Spiknard to follow, Hamiltonbegan walking through the facility. Master TashletGesher informed me that the last of the computersoftware went in without problems. Vadavah is nowoperational. We feel confident that Netilat will be in thesame state in a few days.Jordon listened attentively as he looked around the

gleaming, modern interior of the shipyards foyer. Heknew Netilat was the Vadavah sister ship and builtsimultaneously starting on Kevish 4th, FY 2038. Anyword on who will command Netilat yet? he askedcasually.

Hamilton nodded as he waved his ID before thesecurity panel on the door into the Vadavah DesignCenter. Yes, Tashlet. I believe you both know of her;Tashlet Lorah Overwells.

Connor halted in his tracks. Are you serious? Iserved with her on the Khalmari for 5 years.Very much. Shes an excellent officer, Tashlet

Spiknard. Her promotion to Tashlet three months ago

was well earned even if shes young for that kind ofposition. The leadership council believed in her,knowing she was the perfect replacement for you,Tashlet Jordon.Jordon frowned. I guess I have been at the sea alongtime.Connor ribbed him. 15 years! And you only

destroyed 2 commands!Candrah was responsible for one and the Westernalliance the other. I still think that it is remarkable forher to stepping into my shoes at her age, Jordoncommented.Remarkable? repeated Spiknard. Its unheard of.

Shes not a day over 25!Technically speaking, Im almost month over 25, a

new voice from behind them said. The three menabruptly stopped, spinning around to the speaker.Ahem

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They met the gaze of a woman wearing a redjumpsuit bearing the wreath-framed five blue barredtriangle insignia of a Tashlet on her right shoulderblade above her petite bust. She was quite attractive,and definitely appeared too young to be wearinginsignia of that rank. Spiknards expression was one ofmixed surprise and awkwardness. What anunexpectedsurprise, TashletOverwells.She looked at him inquisitively, betraying nothing

from her otherwise cold, hazel eyes. So it wouldseem, she replied.Hashem Hamilton seemed a little amused by the

exchange between the two Tashletim, and did his bestto hide a smug grin. I asked Tashlet Overwells toaccompany us on the tour so she could get acquaintedwith the new ships, he confessed finally. I didntthink you would mind.

Hamilton may have been able to hide hisamusement, but Spiknard couldnt as he simplysmiled stupidly, a little stunned that he had been

caught out so easily. The Hashems comp-pad chirpedfrom his pocket, and Hamilton excused himself as hetook a few steps further down the hall to take the call.Itsgood to see you again, Lorah, managed

Spiknard finally.You too, Connor. I cant say I was surprised when I

heard you had command of the Vadavah. How many

promotions is that which youve turned down now?Two?Connor held up three fingers, biting his lip as he did

so. Three, he corrected. I guess Im just not readyfor a desk job just yet.

The last time we were together, I outranked you twofull ranks. And now a few years later, youre my equal.I wonder just how many officers I served with pushed

their way ahead in the chain of command.Excuse me, Tashlet? Hamilton spoke snapping him

out of his conversation. He held his closed comp-pad

in hand as he walked back looking at Connor.

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Yes, Hashem?Two of your senior officers just arrived. Theyre

waiting for us at the moorings.Understood.

Shikisha Tegan Clancy whistled at the sight beforehim. Standing on the observation deck, he stared out atransparent calendium viewport in complete awe atwhat lay beyond. Sitting in the construction area,surrounded by many various pieces of scaffolding,

docking arms floated the largest warship he saw in hislife. Her smooth, sweeping lines and broad wingssuggested a shark, not a submarine.He knew the ESF Vadavah SSC 2040 the new

flagship of the ESF. He held onto the belief that everyinch of the warship rippled with power. Bristling withtorpedo tubes, meson cannons, and plasma missiles,she would be the bane of any mariner who dared to

cross swords with her.Beside him, Rakisha Darah Damaris stood in wide-

eyed wonder. Her mouth hung slightly open. Teganleaned over and shut it. She shot him a sharp look.Which one is Vadavah?Tegan cast his eyes back and forth over the twoalmost identical ships floating side by side in thecompletely filled dock. Well, uhI have no idea.Impressive, arent they, Shikisha? Spiknard spoke

proudly from behind them. He stepped out into thecorridor along with Tashlet Overwells and Jordon.Hashem Hamilton followed, halting beside Tegan andRakisha Damaris. There he watched them gaze at theNetilat and Vadavah.Tegan shook his head, disbelief alive in his eyes. Both

floated 540 feet longer than the Havleting class and heguessed five times the volume. Ill say, sir. They arefinished?

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Spiknard nodded pleased, looking at the right sideone through the glass. Yes. Right down to the plaqueson the wall.The Hashem nodded in approval at the two ships,marvelling their lines and sheer size. Amazing. Wefinally have ships on the same level as the Alliance.And these were designed and built by us without help.Design alone took the greater part of a year. All in all,it cost the ESF a total of 3.6 billion satsu.Tashlet Jordon gawked at Hamilton. 3.6 Billion?Thats right, including the cost of R&D. The

Leadership Council had a choice. We could either let

Ryuchi and Candrah dominate the space above whilewe held the sea below or we could do both like ourcharter said 500 years ago. Vadavah class is the firstship capable of doing both. The Star Alliance onlypossesses three classes their self. Hamilton let thecomment hang for a moment, then smiled. He lookedaway to the boarding towers sealed behind a heavy setof chevron style pressure doors. Shall we?

The officers entered through the port side transferbay just south of the bridge fin. Suddenly, they foundthemselves in a massive arrivals foyer that gleamedfrom ceiling to floor in chrome, teakon wood, andbrass. The area bustled with activity. Workmenscurried around doing the final clean up beforelaunch, scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

Immediately in front of the wall sized pressure doorsthrough which they had boarded, engraved into thewall, was a immense 3-pronged trident with flamesroiling off its right side; set proudly above the wordsVADAVAH SSC FIRST OF HER CLASS:VADAVAH. The ruddyhoneycomb grates that composed the deck shimmeredwith a metallic shine attesting to their newness. Theboldest changes came in that unlike the Havleting

class; all the ships EPS conduits and control systemsremained concealed beneath pristine yet finely curvedbulkheads that matched the ships sleek exterior. The

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panels were strictly marked with handles for swiftremoval, as well as new maintenance tunnels.Jordon cursed as he beheld the immaculate interior

with humbled disbelief. Im impressed, he confessed,jealous as he strolled about the arrivals foyer. Thefoyer was shaped like an octagon with a junction onfour opposing sides. They came through one to enterthe ship. Directly ahead of them, a pair of massivechevron seal doors sealed off the area. Beyond theother two chevron seal doors were two other corridorsthat stretched down towards the fore and aft withcross sections to bow and stern.

The Hashemstopped for a moment. Further forwardis the Port and Aft EVA Hangers. Originally, Vadavahclass design called for the transport and launchcapacity of at least 10 squadrons of subfighters andstarfighters. However, we knew that would beconfusing so we went back to the drawing board andcreated a dual-purpose fighter that functioned equallyin either environment. Pegasim Class fighters fulfilled

that purpose. I believe that everyone is aware thattheir first squadron, Shockwave, previously deployedaboard the ESF Carrier Veigh, proved themselvesadmirably; validating the concept even before thesuperstructure of these ships was completed. Hepaused, after gesturing with his arms. We all knowthese are now our primary class of fighter. So I will

reveal now that Pegasim Squadrons first and secondwere transferred to Vadavah. Netilat receivedsquadrons third and fourth. Therefore, the amount ofallowed space for them is quite generous.Jordon rubbed his forehead as he absorbed the data.How many EVA assets total?The Hashem looked back at him, hiding a hint ofamusement. Fully loaded? About 90.

Exiting the arrival bay, they passed into a beigecorridor that ran fore and aft of the ship. Theburgundy metallic floor appeared coated with a layer ofclear spongy material. It gave as they walked but

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blocked the sound of footsteps that thundered as thecrew ran around. The corridor walls displayed threefluorescent orange light strips that ran down as far asthey could see in either direction. One ran along theceiling and floor moulding and the third one ran in theabsolute center of the wall. Jordon smiled, mumblingabout emergency lights and why his ship couldnt havethis. They walked a small way to a junction point,turned the corner and paused before a turbolift.HashemHamilton turned around facing them all. Forthose of you who served on our starcraft, you arefamiliar with turbolifts. They shuttled crew and

equipment from floor to floor swiftly and quickly.However, our subs never were equipped due to theintegrity issue. R&D solved that issue.Tegan looked over at Tashlet Spiknard who as far ashe knew, never served on a starcraft. Pleasant surprisewashed across his face. He tried hard to contain hisglee. No oppressive, omnipresent ladders! Hooyah!

Its just a turbolift, Clancy, Rakisha Damaris

whispered.You never served on a sub, have you? He

whispered back, playfully.I have. Once. She covered her embarrassment that

she had been on the last command with him for only amonth before they both received their orders.The doors opened up revealing a solid, glowing white

interior with a singular button panel. Odd, Teganremarked, staring at it as they filed in.What is, Shikisha? the Hashem commented,

turning to him as the doors shut.The Kudrow Nolas turbolifts didnt have those

panels.Youre correct. But this is a dual-purpose ship. Heat

dissipation throughout the ship required that voice

activated components possess manual backups. Hepaused, turning to face the ruddy chevron doors. PortEVA Bay.

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Acknowledged, the deep, sultry female voiceresponded pleasantly.

After about 30 seconds of soft hum, a small rattlerevealed that the turbolift arrived. The doors opened,revealing another corridor. Walking a small distance,they approached a set of chevron seal doors with thelabel Port EVA embossed on them. The Hashemmoved towards the two chevron seal doors and pausedas the ID scanner matched his face to the onboarddatabank. A green light flowed across his face for a fewseconds, then the light beside the scanner went fromblue to green. The access terminal spoke in the same

voice, Welcome, HashemHamilton.Seconds later, the chevron seal doors hissed briefly.

Warning bells sounded, echoing through the hall.Magnetic locks disengaged with an audible thunk.Huge, solid excelsis doors slid apart into floor andceiling recesses to reveal the cavernous bay within.

Looking around the vast chamber, everyone saveHamilton stared in shocked awe. The EVA bay covered

all eight decks vertically. Before them, it stretched out378 feet from port to starboard wall. Its width said 100feet but Tegan thought it felt like more. Lining thesides of each of the eight levels and eerily illuminatedby the shimmering moonpools below, were ranks offour Pegasim class fighters. Barely perceptible fromtheir distance on the deck hung from the ceiling two

flags; the golden flag of the Ethaiyam Starsea Forceand the sigil of the Vadavah class. Only underneaththe sigil rested the name VADAVAH SSC.The moonpools stood before them in brilliant,

rippling life. Tegan scratched his head, scanning thewalls for another egress system. I know they are alarge water-filled section of the ship open to the sea viaa system of short tunnels shielded from the crushing

depths of the sea beyond by a set of large pressuredoors. Frustrated that he appeared unable to find it,he finally spoke up. Where is the stellar egress?

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Hamilton once again turned to him. This timepleasant surprise shone on his face. I gather youdont approve of using moonpools for egress in a stellarenvironment?Horror masked Clancys face. Beyond damaging the

craft, it would be impossible to exit through.Thats why they are drained, flushed with nitrogen

and then opened to the vacuum in a stellarenvironment. There is a field generator beside eachmoonpool that allows it to be transferred from sea tostellar egress and back.

He clasped his hands behind his back, his voice

echoing throughout the otherwise empty chambers.Right now, shes carrying 6 squadrons of 12 Pegasim

each, which makes 72 combat-ready EVA assets. Itsnot your maximum, but the simulations show that thisis the best balance for now.

Glancing upward, Tegan caught sight of a man onthe level above them. And that, my friends, is morethan 4 Ryuchi sub fighter carriers, he shouted from

above. Everyone else craned their necks upward.Before them stood a non-commissioned officer lookingdown with a smug grin. A stocky man with fiery redgold curls chasing each other across his cubbish head.He stood proudly, green grey eyes twinkled in smugpleasure, set under his button nose and thick jowls.Those jowls attested to him never missing a meal if he

could help it. A massive barrel of a man all the way tohis big black boots shining in the reflected light.HashemHamilton sighed. Tashlet Spiknard, he

said quietly as the young man above vaulted himselfoff the 10-foot high ledge to land with a skilful graceon the deck below. Id like you to meet your headengineer, Master Engineer Craig Scotti. His rank isthat of a Rakisha.

Scotti saluted. Spiknard saluted back then offeredhis hand. How long you been working on this ship,Master? asked Spiknard.

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What makes you think Ive been working on her,sir? asked the Master with a slight frown, takingSpiknards hand with a firm, strong grip.I cant think of a reason for an junior officer like

yourself to be given access to this ship. So, eitheryoure a spy, or youre involved in building my ship.

Scotti smiled lopsidedly. Ive been working since shewas laid-out on the docks in 38, sir. I know her insideand out.And whats your opinion of her? asked Spiknard

with a cautious gaze.Weve built you a glorious ship, Tashlet. You, too,

Tashlet. He shoots a gaze towards Overwells. Thereisnt much that could stand up to her and survive it.

Spiknard smiled inwardly as he nodded slowly.Hamilton raised an eyebrow, taking careful note of theexchange between the two officers, and nodded.Master Scotti, Id like you to meet Tashlet LorahOverwells: Tashlet of the Netilat, Shikisha TeganClancy: the Vadavah XO, Rakisha Darah Damaris, 3rd

officer and helmsman, and this is Tashlet-Jesse Jordon,interrupted Scotti. Tashlet of the

Havleting Gloarr. Sir, its an honor.Jordon looked at Scotti darkly, merely nodding with afrown. Spiknard and Overwells exchanged a waryglance, noting Jordons tension. Master Scotti clearedhis throat in the long silence that followed. Well, I

should- he stopped with an inward sigh. Probably Ishould get back to work.Not a bad idea, Jordon intoned with a cold,

unimpressed edge.Scotti vanished, leaving Spiknard and Overwells to

look at Jordon with pity. Tegan watched it all silently.Jordon was quite a personable man for those who knewhim, but he had an infamous reputation when it came to

officers like Scotti. Hamilton cleared his throat,motioning to the hangar doors once again. Shall wecontinue to the bridge?

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Chevron seal doors shielded the bridge of theVadavah matched those on the Havleting class. Theywere dark blue; a contrast to the ships otherwise-gleaming maroon and beige corridors. Yet, the doorswere much larger than those of the Havleting class.Instead of the standard pressure seal common to allpast designs, these doors possessed interlocking jointswhich enabled the entire bridge fin to be pressurizedand magnetically sealed, sealing it off from the rest ofthe ship entirely. Additionally, a field generator wouldbe activated that gave the bridge fin secondaryshielding during stellar missions.

The usual accompaniment of caution bells sang asthe big doors swung outward with a hiss. Only onewrong thing lingered; darkness. Darkness cloaked thebridge. Everything remained powered down, silent.The Hashem gazed at Spiknard, judging his reaction.Tashlet Spiknard, welcome to your bridge.Sir? bafflement reflected off Spiknards face.Activate her. Shes yours now.

Spiknard shrugged as he stepped through the doors.He then nearly jumped out of his skin. Lights snappedon the moment he stepped on to the command deck.Diagnostics screens lit up. Beneath his feet, the humof machinery brought a soft throbbing through thedeck. As everything booted up, that same female voiceechoed throughout the cavernous bridge chambers.

Authorized Personnel detected. Tashlet Connor J.Spiknard. Commencing first time systems start up.Spiknard froze. What in Nastrod?Primary fusion core: online. Engine systems:

standby. Tactical and EVA systems: offline. Helm:offline. Sensor systems: offline. Command systems:online. Stellar shielding: offline. Stellar transportsystems: offline. Environmental control: online. All

systems nominal.Tegan gazed about. Everyone stood impressed.Hamilton however bore a huge grin. It looks like

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Master Tashlet Gesher got that computer softwareworking.AI? everyone spoke at once.Yes, the Hashemresponded. One of the gifts for

our part in ending the darkness.Tegan knew exactly what he spoke of. The Ifurita

project. Ota Shippai, genius computer tech, built it forthe Benkoku Jinkaku Hikari as the leader of a newgeneration. She vanished shortly after he did threeyears before the war. Joshua still lived when ithappened. No one knew what happened to the backupsor the rootware until now.Thats the Ifurita rootware

we got. Our engineers adjusted to work in the shipsenvironment.Stretching for nearly 75 feet in length, 60 feet in

width and 120 feet in height, the bridge fin spread over3 ringed decks, each with its own stations and withinclear view of the Command stations at the bridgesrear and the view screen at the foremost deck of thebridge. Well, Ill be Siddara Guatama walking the

shore of shellsHamilton smiled. Welcome aboard the Vadavah,

Connor. Shes your ship now.

SSiittuuaattiioonn RRoooomm,, FFrreecckklleedd MMaarrbbllee HHaallll,, RReennsshhii,,RRyyuucchhii

TTiisshhrryyuu 22nndd

,, FFYY 22004400

Katzin Helsonn, Daijin of the Ryuchi, scowled. Heslammed his fist down on his desk for emphasis,scattering holophotos everywhere. The Chairman ofthe Sworn Host, Hashem Dan Naveha, stood beforethe desk with graceful patient. He never takes thiswell.

How long?Naveha paused, choosing his words delicately.

Three years, Daijin. Our intel says they have been

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working on her for three years total from design tocompletion.Helsonn sank into his chair and sighed. 3 years?Yes, sir. Even our spy agrees.Helsonn dove from his chair to walk to the window.

Kiami bay and the breathtaking western hills of Renshigreeted him. The sun sunk into the blue-green watergently as he clenched his fist. Breathtaking vista,Naveha thought as he walking up to the window besidehim. A shame its wasted on calming a vengeful son ofHel. He smirked at the inward joke, waiting for thepeaceful scene to cool the Daijins nerves. 15 years of

this. I control the combined military might of Ryuchi, yetI still have to deal with this madman. He withheld hissigh. If we just made peace, it would be all good. Nocan do. We must fight. Cant let them win again.Helsonn cleared his throat, then clasped his hands

behind his back. A long, drawn out sigh fell from hislips. So when are they to be launched?Chiselled features held a frown as he turned to him.

Vadavah, three days. It begins sea trials after formalcommissioning. We believe there are two others. Nointel on dates other than one is close to commissioningas well.How close?Unknown. Could be the day after, could be a week.Helsonn stepped from the window. A hangdog

expression covered his face. Yet golden sunlighthighlighted him like a deity, his custom tailored whitesuit almost glowing. It showed off his think biceps,broad pecs and washboard stomach as well. A fullhead of gleaming black hair accentuated the long,somewhat sallow face with its bushy handlebarmoustache. Naveha stood silent, waiting. His hazeleyes always told his emotion.There, underneath them,

a fine webbing of lines revealed his true age, fifties. ARenshi law defender elevated up into this place.Into the silence, he stared off into the western

mountains. Like torn tin, they ripped into the sky.

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Delicate spider webbing linked them together as themonorail ran. Down closer to the slowly illuminatingcity, young cypress tress speared the every darkeningsky. The heat haze of the day fled so he could makethe arc of Kiami bay. Its blue green waters lappingslowly against white sands.High above his twelfth story window, a broad winged

kwah flew, amber feathers fluttering as it lazed onthermals rising from the sea. After circling for amoment, it saw what it looked for. The kwah banked,two sets of talons ready. It swooped down like adescending missile, scooping up a long, thick khibah

swimming a hint too far from its school. The black fishnever stood a chance. Then again, if this directioncontinues, wedonteitherHow does the ESF manage to do this without notice,Dan? How? Helsonn broke the silence with therhetorical question. Its not as if the Alliance assisted,did it?Not as far as we know?

Then how? Tempest was known within two monthsof laying the keel.Candrah, sir. And theres more. The successful

sabotage of the three new subs yielded nothing.However, the spy revealed that Havleting Gloarr willaccompany Vadavah on her sea trial. So I believeVadavah will replace Havleting Gloarr as ESF

flagship.Really? That does present us with a somewhatunique opportunity. HashemSir? Naveha moved from the window to three steps

before him.We are going to kill two daav with one stone. I grow

weary of this game. It is time Candrah sees Ethaiyamfor what we do; a bully.

How so? Naveha asked, the cold stab of dreadcoursing down his spine, picking away at his insides.Helsonn smiled. By revealing those ships as the war

machines they are. He strolled over to a large 3-D

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CC hh aa pp tt ee rr TTww oo

RED SKY MORNINGWAR IS HEL.SHE LEADS IT WITH

AN IRON FIST AND A CADRE OF KLUDD;THEIR SEALSKIN STILL GLISTENING

WITH FRESH BLOOD.

DAIJIN KENSEY KAROV, ON WHY HISMILITARY WITHDREW FROM THE

SWORN HOST FOLLOWING JOSHUAKIRISUTOS RETURN.KEVISH 8TH,FY2031

ESF Vadavah SSC 2040, Pier 1, Nawlins,

Nawlins Island, Ethaiyam, Tishryu 5th, FY 2040

Sitting on the bridge of the Vadavah, TashletSpiknard watched news reports on the main bridgescreen. His new uniform, a maroon overshirt buttoneddown on the far left with gold buttons and slacks witha gold stripe down the left leg agitated him It wasnt somuch a change as it was a surface glossing. The dressuniform and the turtleneck he wore remained. Butdespite that discomfort, he felt a certain pride being incommand of Vadavah.They moved her under the cover of darkness to PierOne, directly adjacent to the ESFs Headquarters onNawlins channel entrance. She dwarfed the massivestructure, but that was expected.

The commission ceremony and cast off hadcompleted some time ago. Time now to get to thebusiness of seeing what she could do.

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Ordering the screen back to a display of the bay,Connor looked at his newly minted executive officer,Shikisha Tegan Clancy, seated to his right. Clancy?Whats our status? he asked with calm repose.Clancy tapped the blank screen before him. It jumped

to life with ship-wide system reports. All systemsnominal, Tashlet. 60% of crew complement aboard astold by Fleet Tashlet Raphlah. Nawlins command hasgiven us clearance for departure. They wish goodjourney.

Connor smiled. Scanning the rest of the bridge, hesaw everyone else shared his joy. His tactical officer,

Rakisha Kyle Cuyler gazed around with hazel eyes.Hair like straw, a shade or two darker than his owncurled around his round face. And with the exceptionof himself and Clancy, the most experienced in theroom. His uniform spoke of ten years in the ESF aswell as being a Yatsar. The sigil, three pins on hiscollar, spoke of him being a 4th degree master ofKinetics as well as a 6th degree master of nascentics.

That will make for interesting tactical handling, hemused.Communications ran swiftly and efficiently under

Rakisha Ian Soures. The opposite of Cuyler, he justcelebrated his first year of active duty. First in hisclass, Soures baby face and umber high and tightcombined with pinched black eyes gave pause for

thought. He held a plain expression, focused on histask. First in his class, says a good deal about him.Hell be worth his salt.Finally, he beheld Vaddy, the ships avatar. Upfront

and personal, utter amazement didnt begin todescribe Vaddy. Vadavahs AI chose a petite womanabout 5 feet tall with a small bust and radiant,shoulder length midnight blue hair. Her eyes shone

like black pearls, yet they and her eyelids slantedunlike anything he saw before. Her small drawn uplips glistened pink against her alabaster skin. High

cheekbones completed the unworldly look. She stood

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beside him on the left, to consult and handle othertasks not done by the rest of the six-person bridge. AShikisha herself, she bore the responsibility of beingable to relieve anyone other than the Tashlet of duty.Only the on board doctor, Rakisha Joseph Wiser heldmore authority in that area.Very well, Helm, Take us out. Breakaway docking

arms and braces. Harbor engines ahead one-half.Aye, sir. Breaking away docking arms and braces.

Harbor engines answering ahead 6 knots, sir,Shikisha Damaris responded. Beside her, 3 helmsmenstood on the control deck below, one of which sat in

the nav-harness, actually flying the ship through thesea.Spiknard turned to communications Rakisha

Soures? Get me Tashlet Jordon on the HavletingGloarr.Already online. Vaddy got him the moment we got

underway. On Screen now.The main screen resolved into the face of Tashlet

Jesse Jordon on the Havleting Gloarr Bridge. Officersshuffling back and forth, delivering reports andattending to their various duties revealed the businessof his bridge. Tashlet Jordon. Weve broken dock. Weshould be on station in 20 minutes.Jordon smiled, applauding lightly. Congratulations,

Tashlet; blue skies and clear horizons to you and your

crew. Well hold until you are at grid 772319. Thesound of light applause echoed from beyond him.Thank you, Tashlet. Well see you soon. Vadavah:

out.The view screen went blank; replaced by diagnostics

displays of all the ships systems. The split-level Bridgegave a nearly perfect view of everything that happenedin the fin. It was a state of pristine order, the direct

opposite of his last command. That was organisedchaos; radio chatter sounded from nearly everyworkstation, officers walked quickly between rows ofcommand and control benches. Silence gripped this

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bridge. Obviously, all that motion and chatter now wentthrough Vaddy so itdidnt need to be emptied in theopen air. Disconcerting but refreshing.Tashlet, were making six knots over the bow, sir.

Weve cleared the first marker.Very good, Helm. Bring main drives online. Take usto the second marker at your discretion.Once more, Darah Damaris repeated the order with

her instructions to the helmsman. Connor, satisfied,rose from his comfortable chair. He began walkingleisurely around the upper deck, casting his eye overeverything that happened below. Finally, he brought

his gaze to rest on the stairwell at the bridges aft. Illbe on the Observation deck. Damaris, you have thebridge. Shikisha Clancy? Rakisha Cuyler? Will you joinme?Of course, sir, they replied simultaneously.The trio of officers left the command deck and

headed to the stairwell. There, before them sat theentrance to the Observation deck. One of the new

features of the Vadavah class was the Observationdeck above the main bridge. Usable only when runningthe surface or while in space, it gave a feeling of thereal while they were there.

Scrambling awkwardly up the stairwell, Connorpulled himself out of the stairwell on to flat platformsurrounded by two sloping transparent walls. At top of

the fin, he paused, absorbing the scenery around him.A mounted panel screen stood to his right. A doorshaped seam with additional thin passageway in frontof it stood behind him. An airlock? Different. Wavingeveryone on, he walked through the airlock.The wind whipped his uniform harder than hedexpected. He remembered in the forecast, but it didntbother him as he took in a lung full of fresh air, and

surveyed the horizons.The Vadavah must be making at least 20 arc-

minutes over the surface. The spray across the bow

whipped into the fin. It spattered a fine mist over the

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officers behind it. Picking up his binoculars, Connormade another scan of the horizon. He caught the evershrinking harbor entrance behind them. So, ShikishaCuyler.Yes sir? The Tactical officer looked at him from his

position a few feet away.What do you think of the new ship?Cuyler smiled ruefully. Shes impressive, sir. Bit too

big for my taste but still impressive.Spiknard laughed at that. These are desperate

times. Desperate times call for desperate measures.Tegan Clancy frowned, unconvinced. Forgive my

candor, sir. But are you sure about that?Connor stopped, brought the binoculars back down

and sighed. Something hurt there and then. Years ofcold war with Ryuchi took its toll. I dont expect you tounderstand it.Tegan, you and I have known eachother for a few years but there are a lot of things youstill need to learn. Id like nothing more than adiplomatic solution to this nightmare were living in. I

just dont think its going to happen. Its best to beprepared for the worst, than ignore it and hope for thebest. Ignorance is rarely bliss.Cuyler remained silent, pensive during the exchange.

Casting his eye over the horizon for a moment or twobefore clearing his throat, he asked, Sir, may I ask aquestion?

You just did, countered Spiknard with a smile. Itsstill a beautiful day.But please, Rakisha. Do speakyour mind.

Well, I know that weve been briefed and trained toNastrod and back on how this ship operates. Butthrough all that, there was one thing they never toldus.And that was?

How fast does ship go, sir?Connor exchanged a bemused smile with Shikisha

Clancy. The ESF had kept the Vadavah top speeds

highly classified, and the fact that the engines had

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been developed in part with the Star Alliance wasofficially denied by every contractor involved in theships development. To be honest, we dont know,confessed Spiknard. In theory, she should do 240 arc-minutes1 submerged. She supercavitates, so we have abubble around us, as you well know. Cuyler noddedhis head. On the space side, the HNP can move us1500 light years per burst.

Cuyler seemed a little shocked at that. Connor knewexactly what he thought. Havleting Gloarr held amaximum rated top speed of 200 arc-minutes withoutsupercavitation. Vadavah, a ship over 8 times the

mass of the Havleting Gloarr effortlessly broke thatspeed. I see, sir he said quietly. Thank you, sir.Quite welcome, Rakisha.Spiknard frowned as the panel inside the fin chirped

loudly. Stepping back in, he activated it. This isSpiknard. Go ahead.It was Damaris. Sir, weve cleared the second

marker.

Understood. Whats the depth beneath the keel?984 feet, sir.Connor nodded. He motioned the other officers back

in. After the airlock closed for the last time, heresponded crisply. Thank you, Shikisha, Secure thebridge and rig for dive.Aye, aye, sir. The screen went blank briefly then

spawned stats.Heading back to the stairwell, Spiknard pause to lookat the horizon one last time. It would be some timebefore he saw the sky again.Clear the deck, Gentlemen.Stepping back on to the command deck below,

Spiknard resumed command of the Vadavah. Tashlethas the Bridge, he said as Vaddy returned to his side

from helm below.Tashlet has the Bridge. Aye. Damaris said as she

returned to helm.

11 arc-minute is equal to 1 knot. So, 240 are approximately 5 miles per second.

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The three men resumed their seats. Shikisha, takeus to 360 feet; 10 degrees down bubble.Make depth 360 feet. 10 degrees down bubble, aye

sir.Vaddy, Sound dive stations.Sounding Dive stations, Tashlet.Klaxon bells blared all over the Vadavah. Hatches

sealed. Expansive ballast tanks opened. Thousands oftons of seawater rushed inside them as thehammerhead bow of the submarine ploughed its wayin to the waves. All hands, this is Vadavah. Rig shipfor dive!

Sir, Helm is 10 degrees down bubble. My depthreads 360 feet and falling. Shikisha Damaris shoutedover the klaxons.Steady as she goes, he said, beaming. Nothing can

go wrong now.

RRyyuucchhii NNaavvaall FFoorrccee MMoolloottoocchh ccllaassss ssuubbmmaarriinneeSSaannbboorrnn,, 112200 mmiilleess wweesstt ooffTTyyrr MMiinniinngg SSttaattiioonn

TTiisshhrryyuu 77tthh,, FFYY 22004400

Master Tashlet Spence Nagadi paced as the bridgeof the Sanborn hummed in busy life. His patiencespent, he flexed his hands, and then brushed his hair.The inexorable waiting continued.

Time? he said aloud.

Three hours, Tashlet, Shikisha Lewis said lookingat his chronograph.An inward groan exited the Tashlet as he turned,

walked back the direction he came in short, choppysteps.Conn, Radio. Tashlet Ozon of the Raii wanted to

know how much longer.Nagadi stopped. Radio, reply is as follows, I will

report when I know. Maintain radio silence until then.Nagadi, out.

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Conn, Radio. Incoming Ultra Low Frequencytransmission from fleet command. Its encryptedultraviolet.And its about bloody time, too. Shikisha Lewis, you

have the Conn. Nagadi headed to the radio room justbehind the bridge. Under his breath, he mutteredobscenities.Aye, sir,Walking aft, he turned into the radio room. The

operator already had the message queued up, ready tobe decoded. Nagadi decoded the message with hisname, rank and command. When the orders appeared

on the screen, the radio operator whispered. Sir, isthat for real?

I believe they are, Kisha. Carry on. Nagadi noddedslowly as he took a long, deep breath.Send word toTashlet Ozon and the other six out there that theorders have arrived. And transmit them unencrypted.He then headed back to the Bridge.Shikisha, I have the Conn.

Aye, sir.The XO stepped away from the Conn as TashletNagadi resumed command of his Ship. Helm, Conn.How far are we from the Tyr Mining station at bestpossible speed?Approximately 2 hours, sir.Nagadi walked over to his chart table. He traced a

course on the map as he ran numbers through hishead on speeds, bearings, et all. Lay in a course,make turns for seventy arc-minutes.Aye, sir.The ships executive officer, Shikisha Lewis,approached Nagadi from his post just a few feet acrossthe Conn. Sir, I dont know what our orders involve,but the Tyr is neutral, Tashlet.

Nagadi simply nodded grimly and handed theprintout to his first officer. The Shikisha began readingthem under his breath. He looked up as the full weightof the message hit home.

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Orders are orders, Shikisha Lewis. And orders,especially of this nature, are not open tointerpretation.Of course, sir.Make sure that the lifepods are in order and that

everyones home messages are transmitted before wereach Tyr station.Aye, sir.

EESSFF VVaaddaavvaahh SSSSCC 22004400.. EEmmbbeerr SSeeaammoouunnttaaiinn rraannggee..TTiisshhrryyuu 77tthh,, FFYY 22004400

Kisha Kamala Sabine lay flat on her taut stomach,feet hanging out the port engine nozzle of her ASF-290Pegasim dualfighter Mark Two, but to her it wasShock 2. Her pride and joy; pride of the Shockwaves.Embroidered on her coveralls, just below the Vadavahlogo was Pixie. She hated her call sign because itmocked her. She didnt have the energyeveryonethough she did. So she rolled over to tighten

something else. At 411 and 95 pounds, she never gotstuck. Yet the call sign spoke nothing of her size sothey said, it was her infinite energy, her effervescentcheeriness, and her joy of life. That ran out fiveminutes ago. The engine better not explode again, shegrowled silently as she slid out.

Ok, try that, she said to the chief bay technician,

who supposedly held responsibility for all 76 Pegasim,12 gunstars and various other craft aboard. All weredual duty save the gunstars. They could functionunder the waves but were visible for miles due to heatsignatures and torrents of bubbles they generated.The techs all moved back from the needle shaped

swept wing Pegasim mark two. The chief, a tall, tawnyguy with a sword tattoo on his thick neck palmed the

remote activator. Slowly, it came to full power with ahigh-pitched whine. Sabine watched and slowlywalked around the gunmetal and metallic grey painted

fighter, being careful not to step near the forward

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intakes or the rear propulsor. Sounding good, take itto 6 g-thrust.The chief boosted the power on the engine, causing

the deck to vibrate slightly beneath their feet. The deepbass hum rumbled within her. I think weve--

An overwhelming boom rumbled across everyone,knocking Kamala off her feet. Shrapnel shot out theback of the engine followed by a black plume of smoke.It then began a sickening fingernails-on-chalkboardwhine as the engines fan blades and propulsorassembly broke apart, and flung themselves out thenozzle. She grimaced painfully at the sight, the fifth

time this day.No, no, NO!Shut it down!The engineer killed the power. After five minutes of

walking around the fighter with a diagnostic scannerand comp-pad, he sighed. He walked around to theback of the fighter, and popped open a panel justabove then the engine nozzle where the propulsorresided, ripped out a charred EPS tap and a mass of

shredded white striped blue power conduit, followed bynumerous shattered fan blades. He then turned toSabine. Well Kisha, it looks like we found theproblem. He tossed the blackened tap onto the ruddy,dimpled deck. It skidded to a few inches in front of herfeet. A bad tap fried the coolant motor. When theducts went, the electromagnets overheated. And that

produced the boom. This time itll take a new engine.We have a few to spare, Kisha He sighed, frustrated.He grimaced as he pulled out more fan blade

splinters and sheared propulsor shafts from the rear ofthe engine. He shrugged and tossed them on the deckin defeat.Siddara Guatama. How soon?He shook his head. Had I known that was the

problem, I could have done something to save theengines, he scratched his head, trying to think of theappropriate words. Well, we turned the entire engine

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Whats wrong? he asked, concerned while wringingthe jumpsuit top out.My Shockwave just self destructed.The Wing Shikisha opened his mouth, then realizedwhat she said. A degree of incredulousness slippedover his face. So thatswhat that noise was. I heard itfrom down the hall.Sorry sir, she said horrified.It was an accident, Kisha. Relax; it isnt the end of

everything. He stroked his bronze hair back. It grewlonger than the other men aboard because it grew insuch tight curls it couldnt be cut in the high and

tight. So it stood in a short column with bangs acrosshis short forehead. Grey eyes smiled back at Kamala,still amused. Id better get changed. Stranahannodded as he wiped his hands on the back of histrousers.Sabines muted yes sir barely reached him as the

Shikisha disappeared. She gritted her teeth, sighing asshe continued her walk towards fighter command, one

deck above. This was going to be a very bad day.

Tashlet Spiknard walked down Vadavahs longcorridors on his way to Engineering. Normally, the triptook ten minutes on a Havleting class ship, less on thesmaller subs. On Vadavah, a maglev transport tunnelran down the center of the ship. Similar to the

turbolifts, yet it ran horizontally. A swift solution forthis massive ship, yet one unavailable to him oranyone other crew member right now. Thesuperconducting magnet alignment is not withintolerances so it is offline, he remembered Vaddy tellinghim as we walked by another of the many blue metaldoors with the maglev logo, a circled ampersand. Ajourney of 1275 feet every time he needed to get there,

until it came online. Next time we are dry-docked, itsgetting done. I wouldnt be surprised if, Host Kisha Neffmade his company of shock troops use this for their

morning run.

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Upon reaching engineering, and passing through itshandprint security, he quickly moved to the fusioncore. In the direct center of engineering, its enginelights glowed softly, secured behind support frames.Its coolant hosed snaked about like errant hair,making it appear like an upside down showerhead,frozen during use. It consumed the room it rested in,extending into the deck above. Crew worked furtively,reading panels, scanning parts, ensuring that thesupercool fuel and waste product hoses didnt clogbreach or kink. Into this festive melee, Connorshouted, Master Kisha Scotti?

The hum of the fusion core, the buzz of the crew andan odd bubbly burping sound filled the air aroundhim. But no Scotti. Surveying the area, various alcovesheld equipment familiar and strange. Monitors,displays and workstation panels were everywhere.Access and maintenance tunnel doors, panels andopen crawlways scattered themselves like tossedplaying cards.

A maintenance duct suddenly clattered. Out of thedark opening appeared a sharp light then MasterKisha Craig Scotti, head first. After a roll, he popped tohis feet like a gymnast completing his routine. Sir,what brings you down my end of the world? he askedafter the customary salute.Connor put his hand on his waist. I understand the

power system is laid out here differently than anyother vessel. Nevertheless, there are issues that havecome up including Vaddy telling me the maglev isoffline due to the magnets needing alignment.Scotti nodded as he brushed his hands off. Almost

every department complained of power issues. Tacticalsaid his station and the weapons locker would fail,then reboot requiring authentication. Its eaten over an

hour of his time. As for aligning the magnets, Vaddysright. That can only be done at dry-dock or in spacemode. In space, the compartment can be vented tospace and set to zero gee. In sea mode, the gravity

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plating is off. The rest is basically crew quarters andauxiliary systems, correct?Correct, Master Kisha. How soon can you fix it?Umm. It is being worked on, Tashlet, he hesitated,

frowning. I dont know, sir.Why? Connor spat, frowning now as well.The problem is in an EPS junction used by the

sensor array and eight other systems. It failed abouttwo hours ago so I rerouted power through the PortEVA bay core junction point which wasnt apparentlydesigned to handle the load of the entire ship, just thebay itself. So it failed as well. I replaced the first one

myself just now, but the other is in a location that Icant get towithout getting wet.Wet? Connor queried, confused.Yes sir. The launch tubes are flooded while we are in

sea mode. And while Im sure they believed that theaccess way that runs beneath would remain dry, theyignored the fact that the seals were in fact fields.Fields tied into the power grid. Fields that fell when

the junction failed. It took five minutes to flood theaccess way.Worry stuck an icy pick into Connors side. Tell me it

didnt damage anything critical?It didnt. It accesses the launch magnets and those

taps and junctions were designed to be submerged insaline water. He smiled, brushing his hair back. So I

sent someone off to take care of it. Authorized them tobe rigged for a dive.Connor smiled. As long as the EVA bays dont need

to launch fighters, Im good for power?Yes, I would agree, Scotti nodded. Just then, his

hand-comm chirped. Master Scotti here.Master Scotti, Barrens here. I just completed the

replacement of the junction. Soft bubbling sounds

tricked in the background. As you can tell the hand-comm works well wet too.Connor stifled a laugh. Scotti?

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Scotti cast his gaze up. Good work, brief me whenyoure back. Scotti out.

Understood, Barrens out.Yes, Tashlet? Scotti responded, a frown again on

his lips.On another note, I understand that you--All hands, Crisis alert. Off-duty personnel to duty

stations. I repeat, Crisis alert, Vaddys voice cameover the intercom as well as through both Connorsand Scottis hand-comms. Vaddy, herself, materializedbeside Connor, her face sharp and serious. Tashlet,youre needed on the bridge.

Understood, Connor said to her as severalhemispheres across engineering flashes a sickly green.Short, low horn blasts sounded as Scotti eyed Vaddy.My repairbots are fully capable, Master Kisha, she

said, after a few seconds of staring. I was built forthis.So you say.Master Kisha! Connor said hastily. We will finish

this later.Scotti saluted, and ran to the Engineering master

station to see about the crisis.Vaddy ran with Connor as he sprinted the distance.

Status report, he said, breathing heavy.A general distress call from the Tyr mining station.

They report being under attack from a squadron of

Ryuchi subs, possiblyMolotochclass. The station isAlliance controlled.Those vulgar sons of darkness! He hissed as he

rounded the corner. Any other transmissions exitingthe station?Yes, too much to track. What are you thinking,

Tashlet?He huffed, stopping just 20 feet before the bridge

doors. We must assume they contacted the AllianceAmbassador in Nawlins. Activate the bridge cameras.Launch cloaked cameras, and record any

transmissions from the Ryuchi subs. Focus on ULF

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and VIR bands. Gather what you can, because nomatter what, the flames ignited the torch. How long itburns is up to us.Aye, sir. Bridge cameras active. Everything from this

point on enters the record.As he stepped through the doors, the Bridge was

chaos. Officers arrived at their stations and began tobring Vadavah to into Sea Crisis mode. The massivechevron seal doors closed behind him, lockingeveryone inside.Clancy rose from the Tashlets chair, his face

impassive. Tashlet on the bridge!

As you were, Connor said, quickly. Behind himwalked Vaddy, who halted in her usual spot. Vaddybriefed me already. Whats our heading?Both Vaddy and Clancy spoke together. NNE at 112

arc-minutes.Clancy silenced himself, perplexed as Vaddycontinued. We are 50 sea-miles away, TashletThank you, Vaddy, He said flatly.

XO, who else is near?No one, sir, other than Havleting Gloarr behind us.A deep frown settled on Spiknards face. Something is

wrong. Helsonn cant be that insane. So why does thisfeel like a set up?

Conn, Helm. ETA at current speed?Helm, 35 minutes, sir Damaris remarked over the

din.Connor bit down. Too long, he growled. KishaSoures, Get me Tashlet Jordon on the HavletingGloarr, violet priority.

Aye, sir.Connor paced around his chair, flexing his hands.

Its a trap. I know it, he mumbled to himself. TheRNF attacks a neutral station, which transmits a

distress call. They know that only us or HavletingGloarr will be able to respond. Then they attack usbefore we can finish the shakedown. Accursed Helsonn.

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Vaddy stepped in front of him on his third orbit of thechair.Tashlet, please sit down. Your stress rating is an

unhealthy 12.Connor glanced darkly at her. I would prefer to

stand.As he turned his back, the bridges main screenresolved to the image of Jordon on the bridge of theHavleting Gloarr. Tashlet Spiknard?Connor whipped around, and sat. Tashlet Jordon,

whats Havleting Gloarrs status?Organized chaos consumed Jordons bridge. Shouted

commands about the distress call echoed in thebackground. Tashlet Jordon stood beside the mainsensor panel vastly vexed. At our best speed, wereabout 15 minutes from your position, Tashlet, andeven longer to get to the station. By the time wearrive, he stopped letting his silence state theobvious.Spiknard nodded solemnly. Vadavah, despite her still

being untested, could come to the stations rescue.Understood, Tashlet. Well handle it.For the sea, Tashlet, Jordon out, Jordon said still

annoyed.For the sea, Tashlet, Connor replied, cutting the

transmission from his seat. He immediately rose again,walking to behind his seat. The viewscreen displayed a

detailed map of the stations location in relation to theVadavah, as well as a cross-section of the station itsself and the seamountain range around it. Helm, layin a course for the Tyr Mining Station. 250 arc-minutes.Clancy looked at the Tashlet in concern. Sir, with all

due respect, 250 arc-minutes is beyond the testedspeed of the --

Spiknard cast a stern glare at the XO. But Vaddyspoke up. XO, I am the ship. I am as fully aware ofmy capacities as you are of yours. If Tashlet Spiknardasks for a speed that cannot be performed, I will let

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him know. The glare on her face, shocked everyone tosilence, including Clancy. I apologize, Vaddy, heintoned, grasping his composure.While I am not currently supercavitating, I can. My

top speed is well over the 300 arc-minute barrier. Shepaused for a second with a dramatic sigh. All thisstructure is redundant. In fact, I can control the shipwith only the Tashlet and I on the bridge. This designhere was to relieve the training curve. Do not assumethat because you see this avatar, I am dumb. I amaware ofa lot more than you could process. Dontquestion my abilities again. Spiknard watched them

both, noticing Clancys sudden tension. ShikishaDamaris, he said, the hint of a smile playing at thecorners of his mouth. Bring the supercavitationengine online and take us to 220 arc-minutes. Engageon my mark, and with a flourish of his hand, hemarked the air.Several officers on the bridge failed to stifle their

laughter, and Clancy looked somewhat concerned,

giving Connor a wary, open-mouthed expression ofdistress. Spiknard simply popped his joints, a boyishsmile resting on his lips. Mark!

RRNNFF MMoolloottoocchh ccllaassss ssuubbmmaarriinneeSSaannbboorrnn..TTyyrr MMiinniinngg SSttaattiioonn..TTiisshhrryyuu 77tthh,, FFYY 22004400

Tashlet Nagadi gave the order. Tactical, Conn.Reload tubes one-through-six.Conn, Tactical. Reload tubes one-through-six, aye.Nagadi patiently paced back and forth, looking at his

chronograph again. With Vadavahs arrival imminent,he saw no need to use excessiveforce against thestation. In truth, wisdom said to conserve as many of

his torpedoes as possible for when the she arrived. Yetfrom the limited intelligence on her, he knew suicidewhen he saw it. She stared back, unblinking,beckoning and cajoling. And he could do nothing but

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piercing shriek. Heard throughout the entiresubmarine, it was the sound of return; their own. Forthe miners it would have been the same, had heactually targeted them but Nagadi would not beordered to murder innocents for a vendetta, no matterwhat. The mountain, on the other hand didnt live.Conn, fire control. Torpedoes are live. Running hot,

straight and normal. Time to impact: 35 seconds.Nagadi nodded in approval. 35 seconds. Excellent.Conn, Sonar. Shes here. ID computer confirms. It is

Vadavah.

Tashlet Spiknard watched grimly as the lead Ryuchisub fired two torpedoes at the station. Shikisha, canyou destroy those torpedoes?

Yes, sir. He closed his eyes, and closed his handsover each other. Placing them, now glowing back ontothe panel, we whispered something before he openedhis eyes.

Five seconds later, the Ryuchi torpedoes simplycrumpled into a fine power, their warheads implodedviolently well away from the station, saving it fromfurther harm.Can you identify that sub? Connor asked Cuyler,

while examining the streams of information thatpoured out onto his viewscreen. Leaning back into his

seat, he glanced up at the main viewscreen beforelooking at his own again.Aye sir. Her acoustic profile reveals her as RNF

Sanborn.Signs of hijacking?No, sir. This is the real deal.Spiknards lip curled in a disgusted snarl. You shell

eating Selkie mongrels. Trap or no, you arent going to

destroy the station. Soures, get me the Sanborn, now!Kisha Soures hands flew across his station. Channel

open, sir.

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RNF Sanborn, this is Tashlet Connor Spiknard ofthe ESF Vadavah. Your attack on this station isprovocative and in direct violation of establishedplanetary coda as well as Ethaiyam coda. Be advisedthat the sea you are in is Ethaiyam sovereign territory.Stand down and prepare to be boarded. If you fail tocomply, we willbe left with no alternative but to useforce.The Bridge screen displayed the impassive face of theRNF Tashlet. Behind him, an oddly empty bridge withwhat appeared to be five people moving about. Connorcaught the horrified face of their tactical officer and

smiled. Yes, we outgun you, heavily.Tashlet Spiknard, the station is Alliance controlled

as is the seamount. As of this moment, your vessel isinterfering with a Ryuchi affair, conducted inaccordance with planetary coda. An attempt to impedeor board these subs is an act of aggression againstRyuchi. That will not be tolerated. I implore you,withdraw now or be met with lethal force.

Connor scrubbed his chin, whispered to Vaddy tocut the sound. She nodded. Sound muted.Cuyler,anything I should know? he inquired,

desperate for an angle.There are eight subs total. All have their tubes open

and actively targeting us.They are all Molotoch class subs, the furthest two

miles away. Sanborn is the closest. Only the farthesttwo, Reasor and Riverdeep, can get torpedoes armed intime. Vaddy said succinctly.

The willingness to fire on the Vadavah revealed a bigproblem, he mused, still it only goes to prove this is atrap.The RNF Tashlet appeared agitated, paced back andforth. Cue sound, Connor ordered, staring at the

screen again. Vaddy nodded.Tashlet, regardless of your orders, you are in

sovereign Ethaiyam waters and hence subject to our

laws. The RNF is in our waters by our behest. SO I

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leave the choice in your hands. Close your tubes andwithdraw and you will not be fired upon. Anything elseis an act of aggression against a sovereign agent of theESF. It will be met with the appropriate response. Ifyou fire on us, you arent starting a war, just insuringyour return and the exile of your Daijin, again.The Tashlet didnt flinch. No, Vadavah. The decisionis yours.Abruptly, the transmission ended. With the screen

blank, Spiknard stared at it in silence. The arroganceof the Tashlet was going to get a lot of people killed.Cuyler, have they closed the tubes?

No, Tashlet. They havent.Connor nodded grimly and fell back in to the chair.Helm, Put us between the Ryuchi submariners and

the station. Tactical, load all tubes. Tubes one and twoto fifty percent charge.Aye, Tashlet. Loading all tubes, Tubes one and two,

plasma warheads to 50 percent charge.And Cuyler, Connor said with a dark grin, If you

plan on using a Yatsar call, please tell me.Cuyler flushed maroon. Yes, sir. Sorry, sirDont be sorry. Be accurate.Clancy looked worriedly at his Tashlet. Sir?Rising from his seat, Connor returned Clancys stare.First two are warning shots. We only want to stop

them, Shikisha. Not destroy them.

Spiknard looked back to Shikisha Cuyler at tactical.Fire Control: Activate the meson cannons, matchsensor bearings for tubes one through six, thenacquire shooting solutions for all eight subs. Hegrinned to himself, Open all outer doors. I am not

firing first, purposely starting a war by doing so, butyou wont intimidate me either.Aye, sir. Meson cannon activation sequence begun.

Vaddy? He said, concerned.Two minute activation sequence. The reactors need

time to ready themselves, she remarked flatly.

He nodded. Have any other the subs moved yet?

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No, sir, Clancy said, irritated. They seekdestruction.Connor looked at him oddly. Soures, inform

Shikisha Stranahan to prep the Pegasim for launch.Aye, sir.Clancy began clenching his fists in front of his

abdomen. A long, deep sigh left him as he continuedhis flexing, visually boring into his command console.Thoughts, XO? Connor remarked, noticing his

stress.24 Plasma Force Isolation torpedo batteries. Each

battery, a cluster of six tubes that rotated like an

ancient Alliance six-shooter. Simultaneous loadingand firing with limitless rate of fire. Six mesoncannons trained on them. Why dont they leave? Dothey care so little for their lives, or so much for theirinsane Daijin? he whispered with piercing fury.Vaddy turned to him, her eyes shining. Yes, their

traffic says as much.Cuyler shouted, jolting everyone. Sir! We have two

dozen torpedoes in the water, straight target! Time toimpact: 120 seconds.Call away, Rakisha. Fire intercepts before you do.Aye, sir, he remarked with particular delight.Vaddy bellowed over the intercom. All hands,

prepare for multiple impacts.Vadavah fired her intercept torpedoes in a rapid,

pump action. Their plasma engine banshee screamstore throughout the bridge as the weapons threwthemselves through the water to find and destroy theincoming RNF torpedoes. For the most part, they did.And when Cuyler saw how many were left, he dove upfrom his post. Standing back a step, he formed a whitesphere of light, resting it on the console before him.Filled with seawater, he crushed the sphere with a

massive blow from his stretched back arms, as hewhispered, Force of Glory. Connor and the rest ofthe bridge crew watched as he repeated the yatsaryad

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eight more times in rapid succession, soaking himselfin the process.XO?Intercepts took out eight marks. The first two at 50%

disrupted the sensor console of those marks causingthem to impact the RyuchiGlory. Cuylers dancedestroyed twelve and crippled one ship. Unknownwhich one at this point.With all due respect, sir, its Force of Glory, Cuyler

responded swiftly.Noted, Rakisha, he said with a sigh.Conn, Helm. Evasive maneuvers. Take us under the

Sanborn and Riverdeep.Aye, sir. Damaris announced, and then began

barking orders of her own.Taking a deep breath, Connor spoke, Fire control:Fire tubes one through six, complete rotation, spreadthe wealth.Cuylers crewman sagged as he shouted. Aye, sir.

Firing tubes one through six, complete rotation,

spreading the wealth.Cuyler looked at Spiknard, his eyes cold. Remaining

two still hot and locked. Time to impact: 30 seconds.he warned. Using Field of IceTashlet to delockmarks.Connor raised an eyebrow. Understood. Proceed.Before looking to Vaddy, Cuyler pulled up a space

mode shielding system window on his panel. Vaddy, Ineed you to activate the port shield for one second at50% and the main deflector array for five seconds.Everyone stared at him dumbfounded except Vaddy.Done, she commented with a nod.Cuyler waved his glowing hands in a swift flourish.

Turning back to his console, he sighed, frustrated.One mark remaining. 10 seconds to impact.

Spiknard gritted his teeth, bracing himself. As hestrapped himself in, he barked Sound collision alert.All hands, brace for impact.

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Loud, obnoxious bells rang across the ship. Blood redshadows replaced the sickly green as the massivebridge doors slammed shut with a jarring thunk. Thedoor seal itself hissed and clunked one final time as asecondary seal activated. A rumbling roar drowned outthe bells as the doors all over the bridge pressurized.All across the ship watertight bulkheads slammedshut, crew moved into the interior sections and theflight crew prepped for launch. Vaddys voice echoedacross the ship All hands, Collision alert! Brace forimpact! Cuyler groaned.Impact in 10987654321. Silence reigned as everyone

held their collective breath, waiting for the inevitablejarring shock of explosion.The remaining torpedo slammed into Vadavahs hull,exploding in monstrous force. A half-ton of concussivepower caused her synthskin to ripple and flex, tearingin several locations. The excelsis plating, mined andrefined from asteroids for its strength, absorbed theexplosion as it expected to. Yet several rivets sheared

from their positions as the sea pushed through fourbuckled plates, rushing salty, freezing liquid inside.The bridge rumbled as the deafening detonationroared through, knocking several crewmembers to thedecking. Connor rolled and bounced under the chairsrestraints. Damage report!He bellowed.Clancys hand instinctively hit several controls on his

command console. His looked up, a grimace darkenedby fury. Hull breach on deck C sections 5. We took onwater there. Casualties are unknown.

Thank you, Adoni, he thought as he blew out arelieved sigh. Seal off that section. Alert engineering tosend out damage crews. Cuyler, condition of ourmarks?Intercepts destroyed twelve. Of the remaining 24, sir

23 hit their targets hot, straight and true. Riverdeepand Sanborn are no more. One torpedo veered offcourse striking the Renshiglory. Unknown damage,

but shes silentand motionless.

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Vaddy turned to Connor. Theres no traffic at allfrom her at all.Then shes gone.It appears so.Spiknard looked around his bridge, noticing his crew

recovered. A few of the most junior officers lookedabsolutely petrified with fright. The Ryuchians, for allintents and purposes, just declared war on Vadavah.It looks likethey dont want to play nicely. Lets endthis. Fire Control: Target Meson cannons on Archonand Kleanbreaker engines. Do you have shootingsolutions?

Yes sir. Shooting solutions for all tubes andtorpedoes have been plotted.Fire at will. Fire tubes one through twelve, full

power. Fire on my mark--Comm. Sensors are picking up numerous small

objects heading for surface. They appear to be lifepods,sir.XO, confirmation?

Clancy and Vaddy nodded at same time. They are. Ihave ones from the Sanborn, Archon, Renshiglory,Reasor, and Boland, he read the list with a wry grin.Conn, Tactical, eight more torpedoes in water.

Intercepts already on them. Commencing Field of Iceagain followed by Shockwave, Cuyler replied calmly.Understood, Connor said staring at the main viewer

and its display of the action.Cuyler rose again. Vaddy, how long can the aft andbridge shields remain active under water?15 seconds, she answered, concern slathered

across her face.I need ten and medical on stand-by.Understood. Youre vitals are connected to the med-

bay; Doctor Vatson watching.

Mark, Connor announced. Eyes shifted to Cuylersurrounded with a sparkling white field. Armsextended, he leaned back as he swept them forward.

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The field pulsed for a few seconds and collapsed, palesweat dripping from Cuyler.Rakisha? Connor asked as Cuyler slumped into his

chair.Fine, sir. Just drained. Sir, all fish have gone active.

Independent targeting systems are online, and arerunning hot, straight and normal.Spiknard coolly nodded. Feed targeting telemetry to

the fish and continue.Aye, sir. Of the eight marks, none survived

Shockwave sir. Sensors indicate that the Raii closedher tubes. She is no longer painting us, sir.

Tashlet! interrupted Kisha Soures from thecommunications station. Sir, we have a priority onedistress call from the Havleting Gloarr. They reportthey are under attack from superior Ryuchi forces andrequesting immediate assistance from any availableships.

All eyes on the Bridge looked immediately to Connor,and his stomach sank. Ryuchi, for all intents and

purposes, just declared war, andnow Im faced with anintolerable decision: abandon the civilians aboard thecrippled Tyr station, or let Havleting Gloarr fend forherself. The quintessential no-win situation so manyESF commanders dealt with over the last decade, butnever had the stakes been so high.

Silence surrounded Tashlet Connor Spiknard, a man

of 31 years of ESF service, as he hesitated, horroretched on his face.Sir! reported Cuyler. Confirmed impacts on 3

targets from our own weapons, sir. Kleanbreaker andRenshigloryare breaking up, the Raii disengaging.What of the other 3? Connor asked so